Letters to the Editor Oct. 18, 2012

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Posted Oct. 18, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Posted Oct. 18, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Tuttle knows his constituents

To the editor: I have had the good fortune in the last few months to work with John Tuttle in his efforts to represent central York County in the State Senate. Accompanying John on many campaign visits throughout Waterboro and Lyman has given me valuable insight into his political character and the man himself. The following observations are in order:1) John is a tireless worker trying to meet as many constituents in his district as possible. Beginning in May, John has visited well over 5,000 households to familiarize himself with the concerns people have facing them in the November election. He engages prospective voters on current state issues and seeks their input into possible problem solving solutions. Most importantly, he hears what people tell him.2) John listens; he not only hears what people say, but he catalogs their input and information for possible future use. These visits help John to better prepare him to represent voters’ concerns. In fact, on a few visits, John gave out his House of Representative card to people not in his house district, so that they could contact him to help solve problems they were having. General concern for the individual was obvious.3) John is cognizant of his constituents. He knows who he is representing, what values these people have, and what type of solutions could most benefit those he represents. Decisions are based on what is best for the community and the state. His bipartisan approach is well respected and well regarded, sometimes to the dismay of the strict party line. This certainly is an admirable trait we all desire in elected officials. 4) John is very knowledgeable. I learned more about the legislative process and the machinations that lead to adoptive legislation. With 26 years of legislative background, John can easily trace the history of pending legislation and give a reasoned justification for his vote. Certainly, a reasoned common sense approach will be helpful in the turbulent world of contemporary politics.John has proven to be a tireless elected official who has served many years in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It would be wise to elect John Tuttle to serve the people of District 3 as their State Senator.David P. DemersSpringvale

Mastraccio is the clear choice

To the editor:Anne-Marie Mastraccio is a clear choice for the legislature as a candidate for House District 143.Her 21 years of experience on the Sanford Town Council and Sanford School Committee have given her the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate effectively for the residents of Sanford and Springvale.I believe she understands the relationship between education and economic development and know her to be a dedicated, hardworking public official who studies the issues from all sides before making a decision.She will represent us well in Augusta. I hope you will support Anne-Marie Mastraccio when you go to the polls in November.William F. Frank, M.D.Sanford

Do not just read the new Charter

To the editor:I have been reading all the letters to the editor about the “new charter” and one got my attention. The writer stated that under the new charter the councilors would be appointing members to the planning board. I happen to be on the planning board, and all seven positions on the board are appointed by the council now. There are a number of committees that have appointed positions. This is not a change in the new charter.So one Wednesday, when I was leaving Town Hall after a site plan review meeting, I stopped in the town clerk’s office and picked up a copy of the new charter. I recommend you pick up a copy. Turn to Page 3, and on the right-hand side of the page look for “Part Four: Comparative Analysis.” This breaks down all the changes made to the original charter.Currently, the council is made up of six councilors, plus one council chair, who is appointed by the councilors. We elect all the councilors. The new charter proposes voting for six councilors, plus one mayor. We still elect all of the councilors, but the voters have a say in who leads the council.The finance committee is currently made up of 11 members: nine elected, one councilor, and one school committee member. The Finance committee recommends a budget to Town Meeting. Town Meeting members approve the budget, not the councilors.The new charter proposes a budget committee consisting of seven members, all appointed by the council, with four at-large and 3 councilors. The budget committee would recommend a budget to the council for approval. The final budget approval rests with us, the voters, in a referendum. We decide, not the town council.

The Capital Improvement Plan currently is set at two percent, with no specifications on how it is to be spent. The new charter proposes an increase to four percent, with two percent specified for infrastructure.Currently, when there is an active petition to override an ordinance, there are no restrictions on enacting the ordinance. Do you remember PAYT (Pay As You Throw)? The town council put the ordinance into effect, and it was overturned in November. The new charter proposes that no ordinance with an ongoing active petition to override it can be enacted until after the vote.The new charter proposes changing Sanford from a town to a city; it requires the town manager to reside in York County; it proposes changes to the Board of Assessment Review from seven members to no less than three and no more than five; and it proposes to allow the city council the authority to consolidate wards.The biggest change I see in the new charter, if passed, will do away with Town Meeting members. Now if I went into the voting booth and saw “Town Meeting Members, Ward 3, vote for no more than 10” and there were 15 names, even 10 names, I would be against changing the charter to eliminate Town Meeting members. I do not think the Charter Commission would have even proposed a change like this if there was interest in becoming a Town Meeting member.I have to wonder if all the people who have written in to complain about their taxes going up 10 percent this year have their names on this November’s ballot for Town Meeting member in their ward. If you are truly interested in what goes on with your taxes, become involved in the process. Be a write-in candidate for Town Meeting member and have your friends and family vote for you. I believe there are 70 vacancies for Town Meeting members for this election.If the charter passes, every registered voter in Sanford will have a say in the town budget. I believe Town Meeting members total 105, but not every Town Meeting member makes it to Town Meeting. The June referendums have averaged around 350 voters casting ballots. This would be a threefold increase in voters approving or disapproving the budget.Of course, in order to make a difference, we need to go to the polls to cast a ballot. We also need to do our homework. There are many committees in Sanford that are appointed positions. I urge you to get involved in the town (or city). If you do not vote, you can not complain, and if you want to improve Sanford, apply for an appointment to one of the committees in town or run for an elected position. Get involved!Jack McAdamSpringvale

Tuttle truly represents the people

To the editor:I wish to encourage people to vote for John Tuttle for State Senate District 3.I have been involved with town and state politics since I was a teen, and John is one of the best of the best, as far as working truly for the people he represents. He is a good man, working by principle, and not by politics.Kay PageSanford

Vote for the Democrats

To the editorThis election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, is a clear choice between philosophies toward others and ourselves.The Democrats encourage intelligent job growth and policies that protect senior citizens from cuts in programs they need, including Social Security and Medicare. They support our veterans, consumer protection, tax fairness and the environment. They work for the middle class and those who aspire to rise to it, and education.There is too much at stake now to turn back rather than move forward. Vote for Maine House candidates Andrea Boland for District 142, Anne Marie Mastraccio for District 143, and Bill Noon for District 144, and for John Tuttle for Senate District 3.Virginia SpencerSanford

Vote for Littlefield

To the editor:Like most people, I don’t get that involved with politics, but when I see a clear difference in candidates, and what’s at stake pending the election results, I’d like to express my support for Brad Littlefield for Maine State Senate District 3.Littlefield has served on Sanford’s town council for the past nine years. He is vice chair of the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council and serves on Sanford Downtown Legacy’s board of directors. Anyone who’s attended “Harvest Daze” will recognize him as the guy who launches pumpkins from that rig that looks like Robin Hood dragged out of Sherwood Forest! He’s also a member of the Central York County Corridor Study Committee and the Legislative Advocacy Council in York County.Needless to say, he’s putting in some time.I’ve observed him work tirelessly on a number of different issues for the town, and even though I might not always agree with him, I respect his independent-mindedness and his tendency to work well with others in finding ways to “get it done,” which is something sorely needed in Augusta. He has vision and can see what’s needed to bring our district into the future.Looking around Sanford, anyone can see the “City” (hopefully) is clearly headed in the right direction. If elected to the Senate, I’m sure he’ll bring that same energy to Augusta.Please join me on Nov. 6 and vote Littlefield for Senate.Bill ThomasSanford

New charter would foster economic growth

To the editor:I recently attended a briefing on the benefits of the proposed new charter and learned some critically important facts everyone should understand.If, for no other reason, every eligible town resident should support and vote for its adoption because it grants taxing approval directly to the voters. Under the new charter, town budgets, which may contain proposed tax increases, must be approved by voter referendum.I was surprised and alarmed to learn that the recent 10-percent property-tax increase was approved and imposed by a total of only 68 appointed and elected residents! This is way too much taxing power given to just a handful of people. Think about that . . . under the new charter, would this major tax increase have been approved in a required voter referendum by all eligible voters? If the charter is not changed, all voting residents will not be given a direct opportunity to reject or approve future tax increase proposals.Giving all residents this direct authority to approve changes in local taxes and fees has other positive potential impacts and major implications affecting the town’s tax base and direction of its economic development efforts. Currently, the town’s private business sector contributes only about 20 percent of the town’s tax base, with residential property taxes and other fees bearing a very large 80 percent tax burden used to support the local government operations and programs and schools. To reduce the pressure of imposing future increased oppressive and unsustainable tax burdens on residential property owners (some of whom pass these tax increases on to renters) and existing local businesses, much more of this growing demand for tax revenue must be provided by increasing new, major private sector growth. This new charter, with its voter referendum mandate, will send a clear and loud signal that the town tax burden, relying on residential property owners to pay an 80-percent share, is no longer acceptable. Imagine the increased economic vitality and strength that would be brought to the town if new private business sector growth resulted in not 20 percent, but a 50 percent or more share of the tax base.A vote for the new charter will give taxpayers “veto power” over tax increases and will offer real incentives to accelerate serious efforts to achieve major economic growth. Bill UnderwoodSpringvale

Grateful for Bowles’ efforts

To the editor:As chairman of the Maine State Board of Corrections (BOC), I am writing to publicly thank Commissioner David Bowles of Sanford for his service and contributions to the board.Created four years ago, the BOC has struggled with its role as overseer of the Unified Correctional System established by the Legislature in 2008. Lacking adequate funding and being possessed of a vaguely worded statute governing its authority, the BOC has worked diligently to find its proper role in overseeing county jails and coordinating with the State Department of Corrections for proper and safe placement of state and county inmates.To that end, the Governor’s appointment of Commissioner Bowles to the BOC in 2011 has significantly helped our board in a number of areas. First, Commissioner Bowles brought with him considerable legislative experience and knowledge of the workings of our legislative oversight committee as well as a relationship with key members of state government. Just recently, those relationships played an important role when Commissioner Bowles and I were able to meet with the Attorney General and Commissioner of the Department of Administration and Finance to discuss legal and financial issues confronting our organization.In addition to these valuable personal relationships, Commissioner Bowles’ understanding of state government finance has helped the board work through our complex financial reporting. Additionally, he has been able to help our other board members understand the financial ramifications to the counties of our decisions impacting county jail operations.As one of five counties with a “flagship jail,” York County has benefited greatly from Commissioner Bowles’ membership on our board. I look forward to his continued involvement and support as we work towards our mission “to develop and implement a unified correctional system that demonstrates sound fiscal management, achieves efficiencies, reduces recidivism and ensures safety . . .” Mark A. WestrumCorrectional AdministratorTwo Bridges Regional JailMaine State Board of CorrectionsChairman

In whose best interest?

To the editor:I noticed in the Oct. 4 guest column in the Sanford News that Mr. Mapes, of the Sanford Charter Commission, praised the new proposed charter and also the members of the commission. I did find it odd that he described one member, Ms. Trowbridge, as a “buffer.”I am not sure what Mr. Mapes meant by that remark, but to me it seemed to be sarcastic. A definition of a “buffer” is showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something. I never saw anything hostile about Ms. Trowbridge, and I think a better description of her participation should have been written. After all, she did attend the meetings, when informed, and from watching those meetings I feel Ms. Trowbridge brought to the commission the feelings of the majority of the people of Sanford.A better description of Ms. Trowbridge’s service should have been given. As far as Mr. Mapes’ remark about how people denouncing the charter should run for office, I would say several have, including myself. I tried to get enough signatures to run for the finance committee a few years ago, and I got such excuses as “Oh, I don’t live in Sanford,” “I’m not a registered voter,” and even “I would, but I’m afraid my boss (a town department head) would find out.”It really upsets me to see that the town committees are made up of the same people all the time. The worst is that these people keep getting re-elected or appointed. We have several incumbents that seem to have concern to keep taxes down, but more are needed. These pet projects have really put a burden on the taxpayer, no matter what some want to tell you.

We have several good choices in November’s election to replace some already in office. If we really want change for the better of our residents, we need to vote for some new commonsense-thinking people.Now most know I am not in favor of the proposed charter, and if it does not pass, I would hope the town ward residents would step up and become a Town Meeting member. It is only one night a year, and it is very important for all to be a part of Town Meeting.We need to stop the clique that has been pushing this town in a bad direction. I hope you all read my letter in the Sept. 27 Sanford News, “Grim News For Sanford and Maine.” It is scary.Remember, we can make the difference. Get out and vote. Lets make some real changes for the good of Sanford. Don’t let names influence your votes. Many are looking out for their best interest not yours. Think about it.Dan CondonSanford